Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney could create a dynamic duo for the Cleveland Browns defensive line in 2021. Garrett has shown his ability to dominate the game while Clowney has struggled to produce and stay healthy but has had great stretches where he has been impactful, despite low sack numbers.
Going into 2021, the Browns needed a player to replace Olivier Vernon after the veteran hit free agency. Vernon will not be available for some time after tearing his Achilles late in the year and Cleveland will miss his veteran presence, along with his talent on the field.
Instead of bringing in one player, the Browns ended up with two free-agent replacements as well as a player returning from injury. Clowney joined Takk McKinley, who signed earlier in the offseason, and Curtis Weaver, who missed his rookie year due to injury.
Opposing quarterbacks are likely to take note of the size, length and speed of Garrett and Clowney, whether they are lining up across from each other or next to each other.
Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield sure would. “I would not say it would be very fun to go up against them. That duo creates a lot of stuff for a lot of other people on the backend,” Mayfield said. He continued, “Obviously, we have a lot of guys who are very talented so it is not just those two, but they do add a special dynamic when it comes down to offensive scheming that you have to worry about those two guys.”
The Browns hope Mayfield’s vision comes to fruition and that Mayfield’s “two tiny friends,” along with the rest of the Browns revamped defense, can hassle opposing quarterbacks and give the offense short fields to work with. Mayfield’s just glad it isn’t him that has to worry about those two.